Back fracture puts Shinwari out of action

Usman Shinwari, who made such an impact during the recent limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of action for around six months after suffering a fracture in his back, it emerged on Saturday (November 4).

Shinwari, 23, staged a remarkable comeback in international cricket with a five-wicket haul in his second One-Day International – the last game of a five-match series against Sri Lanka – in Sharjah on October 23.

His 5 for 34 – all the wickets had come in an initial burst of 5 for 12 – left Sri Lanka gasping at 20 for 5 and they were eventually bowled out for 103, which Pakistan chased down easily for a nine-wicket win and a 5-0 series sweep.

Shinwari was also Man of the Match in Pakistan’s win in the first Twenty20 International in Abu Dhabi with returning 2 for 20.

A source confirmed to Wisden Pakistan that Shinwari has suffered a fracture in his lumbar spine, which could take up to six months to heal.

Mickey Arthur, the Pakistan coach, expressed his disappointment with the development and hoped that Shinwari would recover quicker than expected.

“It’s a pity that he has suffered the injury, and we will hope that he recovers before time,” said Arthur. “It’s unfortunate because we needed him in New Zealand, but our bench strength is good. But unhappy to lose him.”

Shinwari had also suffered a major back injury at the start of his career in 2013, which also kept him out for about six months.

Pakistan travel to New Zealand in January to play a series of five ODIs and three T20Is.

Shahid Hashmi is a senior journalist from Pakistan. He tweets @hashmi_shahid

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